Media Relations Specialist
American Public Media - Minnesota Public Radio
St. Paul
,
MN
Application Deadline: Wednesday, Oct 25, 2017
Description
Join the MPR|APM Communications Team as Media Relations Specialist. If you’re self-motivated, energized by a fast-paced environment and have experience working with media outlets, this could be the role for you! Help MPR|APM tell the stories of the organization externally, primarily through earned media. You’ll be accountable for assisting with external communications efforts while also contributing to strategic decisions on communications direction.
Position Responsibility:
- Create and manage editorial calendars for external media outlets.
- Identify story opportunities
- Work with communications team to proactively seeking story ideas
- Develop media lists
- Draft communications strategies for various programs
- Provide on-site media relations support at events
- Work with team to develop key messages for various stakeholders
- Pitch story ideas to local, regional and national media outlets.
- Write news releases, media alerts and other media materials
- Pitch story ideas to local, regional and national media outlets
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with news media.
- Stay abreast of media trends
- Field media calls; research and respond to media requests
- Serve as spokesperson for regional services and national programs
- Coordinate and wrangle media onsite at various events
Required Education and Experience:
- BA in Marketing, Communications or similar field or equivalent experience
- Three or more years of experience in a communications position. Experience should include work with multiple computer programs, including database management.
- Experience working with media outlets
Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
- Demonstrated high degree of initiative and accountability.
- Ability to act independently to move projects forward with minimal direction, when necessary, as well as ability to take detailed direction and implement projects as assigned.
- Ability to thrive in the fast-paced, ever-changing and at times, very stressful, environment.
- An enthusiasm for the Minnesota Public Radio product and company, ability to work collaboratively and the initiative to bring new ideas to the table are a must.
- Ability to work on multiple projects at one time, independently prioritizing one’s work and seeing projects through to completion.
- Strong Microsoft Office skills and willingness to learn new software applications.
- Strong relationship-building skills to interact with internal staff at all levels of the organization and outside individuals (potential volunteers) from the community.
- Ability to consistently work well with others and to lead, inspire and motivate volunteers.
- Solid verbal, written and interpersonal skills with the demonstrated ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with creative, energetic and demanding professionals.
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize work.
- Must possess excellent customer services skills and a friendly and professional attitude.
- Must have the desire and ability to successfully work as a part of a team.
Preferred Skills and Experience:
- Experience working in a non-profit organization is helpful.
- Knowledge of public radio is a plus.
Reporting To This Position: None
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
- Flexible schedule – to attend various events locally including some weekend or evening activities.
- Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation
- Physical Demands:
- Required to move about in an office environment and sit for extended periods of time
- Required to move about in the community
- Frequent use of hands for data entry/keystrokes and simple grasping.
- Working Conditions:
- Moderate noise level
- Occasional exposure to prevalent weather conditions.
Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.